I'm trying to figure out how to safely charge a 40,000 mAh battery pack using a solar panel. What kind of equipment do I need and what are the best practices to avoid damaging the battery?
3 Answers
To charge that battery pack safely, you need to make sure you don't exceed the maximum charge current, which is usually around 0.5C to 1C. A good charger is a must—consider using a PWM charger to regulate the power properly.
You could set it up cheaply! Grab a 12V/24V to USB buck converter from Amazon for about $15 and get one of those 200W 24V solar panels, which usually run around $90. These panels are marketed for charging larger USB power packs. For a more convenient option, a folding solar panel with a USB output might cost a bit more but can be worth it.
What's the reason behind the higher price for folding solar panels? Is it just the materials or their design?
If you're dealing with a USB-rated battery pack (typically at 3.7V), you'll want a USB charge controller to manage the voltage, or you might need to drop it down to 5V. Using something designed for USB-C Power Delivery is ideal so it can adjust the voltage based on the device's needs.
Do I really need a solar controller to maintain a steady voltage?